Postdoctoral Researcher - Pharmacology and Toxicology

Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Employee assistance program

Pet insurance

Job summary

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Zhu Lab to investigate the molecular mechanisms of membrane protein complexes, with a focus on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and related membrane proteins.

The project combines cryo-EM, biochemical and cell biology assays, and computational modeling to understand signaling and guide therapeutic development.

Qualifications

• PhD in a scientific field is required.
• Postdoctoral experience in structural biology is preferred.
• Experience with cryo-EM and/or X-ray crystallography is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute independent research projects on GPCRs and cell signaling.
• Perform membrane protein expression, purification, and structural studies using cryo-EM and/or crystallography.
• Apply computational modeling and integrate structural, biochemical, and cell biology data.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; develop and optimize methodologies.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations of research findings.
• Participate in lab meetings and collaborate with team members.
• Assist in grant writing and fellowship applications.
• Mentor and train junior lab members as appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory organization, supplies, and experimental workflows.

Skills

Structural biology

Protein expression & purification

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Critical thinking

Cryo-EM workflows

Independent research

Collaborations

Education

PhD in a scientific field

Job description

Summary

A postdoctoral fellowship is available in the Zhu Lab at MCW to investigate the molecular mechanisms of membrane protein complexes, including their oligomerization, trafficking and cell signaling, using advanced structural biology approaches. The successful candidate will lead an independent research project focused on G protein‑coupled receptors (GPCRs) and related membrane proteins, examining how receptor function is regulated by ligands, interacting partners, and the cellular environment. This work will integrate cryo-electron microscopy (cryo‑EM), biochemical and cell biology assays, and computational modeling to elucidate mechanisms of cell signaling and inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies for human disease.

The laboratory provides a rich, interdisciplinary environment with established platforms including bacterial, insect, and mammalian protein expression systems; cryo‑EM workflows; biochemical and cell biology techniques; and computational biology tools.

The postdoctoral fellow is strongly encouraged to apply for internal and external fellowship funding, including programs such as the MCW Cancer Center Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Program and Postdoctoral Researcher Seed Grants. Continued support for this position will be based on annual performance review.

Characteristics of a postdoctoral appointment:

• Transition to career independence through the development of professional skills that enable the postdoc to actively pursue a career of his/her own choosing.
• Be supervised by at least one senior scholar who actively promotes the postdoc's professional development.
• Establish an individual development plan (IDP) that incorporates equally the postdoc's career and training goals and the mentor's research goals.
• Pursue basic or translational projects so long as effort is focused primarily on research.
• Publish results of the postdoc's research and scholarship during their appointment.
• The postdoctoral appointment is temporary by nature, the aggregate amount of time spent as a postdoc is recommended to not exceed five years (not including family medical leave or maternity/paternity leave).
• As postdocs are important members of the host institution's community, appropriate levels of compensation, health care, and other benefits commensurate with their essential status should be afforded, independent of the postdoc's source of funding.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute independent research projects on GPCRs and cell signaling.
• Perform membrane protein expression, purification, and structural studies using cryo-EM and/or crystallography.
• Apply computational modeling and integrate structural, biochemical, and cell biology data.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; develop and optimize methodologies.
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations of research findings.
• Participate in lab meetings and collaborate with team members.
• Assist in grant writing and fellowship applications.
• Mentor and train junior lab members as appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory organization, supplies, and experimental workflows.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

Required Knowledge:

• Structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, computational biology, or related biomedical sciences
• Protein expression and purification techniques
• Data analysis, statistics, and scientific writing
• Complex problem solving and critical thinking

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with cryo‑EM single particle analysis and/or X‑ray crystallography
• Familiarity with membrane protein biochemistry
• Computational modeling and structural analysis tools
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education: PhD in a scientific field

Minimum Required Experience: 0 years

Preferred Experience: Postdoc experiences in structural biology field is preferred.

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.